“Here”-I pressed a button and illuminated two regions of the map-“are the optimal search areas, the most likely anchor points for our offender. This area just west of Asheville, and this region of city blocks downtown. It cuts out 84.6 percent of the search area. Also, I looked up how many suspects there are so far-2,432 names on the master list. Only 12 percent of them work or live in these regions. I checked. At least this gives us a place to start.”
Some of the officers looked stunned that I seemed to know what I was talking about. Ralph looked a little confused. “But why are there two areas?”
Before I could say anything, Tucker answered for me. “In some cases, the mathematics of a geo profile render a bipolar solution; in other words, there are two places equally likely for the offender to reside in or to use as his anchor point.”
OK. This guy was really getting on my nerves.
“That’s right,” I said.
Tucker looked pleased.
“Well,” said Ralph, “we can check DMV registrations to see if anyone living in those areas has a green Subaru station wagon like the one those two hikers saw driving away from the trailhead on the mountain where Mindy was found.”
“I’m on it,” said one of the officers I didn’t know.
“Yeah,” added Sheriff Wallace. “And we can go through our tip list and suspect list and reprioritize them. We’ve gotten thousands of tips since this investigation started. It’s been a little overwhelming.”
“Yes,” I said. “Also see if anyone living in those areas has a history of battery or violent assault.”
“OK,” said Margaret. “Everyone knows their job. Now let’s do it right.” She gave me a stiff nod. “Thank you Dr. Bowers.”
Everyone seemed to be nodding or gathering up their things. Just as I was telling myself the briefing hadn’t ended so badly after all, I noticed Lien-hua.
She was glaring at me. Then she rose abruptly and walked away. Note to self: next time, don’t say “sidetracked by motives” to a profiler.
Especially not to her.
Tucker glanced at his watch. “I have some interviews this afternoon. I’m going to talk a little more to the hikers who found Mindy’s body and then see if the ME is done with the autopsy.”
“All right,” said Ralph. “When do you think you’ll be back?”
Tucker shook his head. “Probably tomorrow. Big date with the wife tonight. I should be back early in the morning, though.”
As he walked away I noticed Margaret lurking in the doorway, arms crossed. “So, Dr. Bowers. Before I go to the press conference, I have one question for you.”
“Yes?”
“Where is he going to strike next?”
I shook my head. “Some crime-mapping theorists have tried predictive analysis, but they’ve only had limited success so far. Sorry, Special Agent in Charge Wellington. I can help narrow down an investigation, but I can’t predict the future.”
“Too bad.” Her voice was ice. “That might actually have done us some good.”
Ah, Margaret.
So nice to be working with you again.
I can’t believe it’s only been four years.